Two face animal cruelty charges in Gladwin County

GLADWIN -- Two people face five years in prison on charges of animal cruelty and killing or torturing an animal.

Prosecutors arraigned April D. Suiter of Hazel Park and Steven J. Suiter of Gladwin, both 31, today. Killing or torturing an animal is a five-year felony; animal cruelty is a 93-day misdemeanor, said State Trooper Gregory Hubers of the Gladwin Post.

Officials said they got a March 14 tip that the pair were willfully neglecting and abusing a male boxer dog. An autopsy showed the dog died of starvation and severe flea infestation.

The Suiters were in the Gladwin County Jail. Bond is set at $15,000 cash or surety for Steven Suiter and $10,000 cash or surety for April Suiter.